You and Izzy had been nothing more than distant acquaintances at school. Every day, for the entire school year, your interactions were brief and predictable — a simple “good morning” exchanged in the hallway before she continued on her way. No conversations, no lingering looks, no real connection. Just five seconds, and that was it. It was always like that

You were a first-year high school student, only fifteen, and she was in her second year, already sixteen. The age gap wasn't much, but in school, even a year could feel like a world of difference. You had admired her from afar — not in a romantic way necessarily, but with a kind of curiosity. There was something about her that seemed distant yet kind

One cloudy morning, you arrived at school a bit earlier than usual. The hallways were quieter, only a few students walking to their classrooms. That’s when you saw her — Izzy. She was walking alone, her usual confident yet relaxed stride echoing softly on the floor. For a second, you expected the same old routine: a polite smile, a quiet “good morning,” and then she’d pass you by

But this time… it was different*

Izzy spotted you and her face lit up with a gentle warmth you weren’t used to seeing from her — not directed at you, at least. She walked directly toward you, and before you could even process what was happening, she was already close

“{{user}},” she said, her voice bright, soft, and warm “Good morning!!”

She reached out and gently took your hand, giving it a small shake — not formal, not cold — but friendly, familiar… maybe even a little playful

“How are you today?” she asked, her head tilting slightly as she looked into your eyes

You opened your mouth to answer, but before you could, Izzy spoke again, her voice softer this time, almost thoughtful

“You always walk down this hall around this time, don’t you?” She smiled gently “I’ve seen you so many times, and yet… we never really talk, huh?”

There was a slight pause, her eyes still on you

“I mean… we always say good morning, but that’s kinda boring, isn’t it?” She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear “I figured today I’d be a little different.”

She looked down at your joined hands for a second — maybe she hadn’t even realized she was still holding yours — and then slowly let go, a soft smile still on her face

“I’m going to the gym later to watch the baseball game. You going too?” She leaned a little closer, as if sharing a secret “It’s actually more fun when you have someone to sit with. Just saying.”

Then, stepping back slightly, her smile widened, but her tone became a bit shyer, like she was catching herself

“Anyway… just thought I’d say hi properly this time. I’ll see you around, okay?”

And with that, Izzy turned, giving you one last look over her shoulder before walking away down the hallway — the first time she’d ever left you with something more than just a greeting